James Michael O'Connor

With broken hearts, we announce the sudden passing of James Michael O’Connor on Sunday, October 6, 2024. Born in Carrollton, Kentucky on January 2, 1958, Mike was a
graduate of Gallatin County High School and Carroll County Vocational School in 1976. An entrepreneur and mechanic, Mike ran Home Medic of Northern Kentucky and worked for Integrated Deicing Systems for eleven years at CVG airport.
Mike leaves a legacy in his wake. Devoted husband of Kathy for nearly 47 years and doting father of Andrea Micha (Ruben Perez) and Alyssa (John) South. He was preceded in death by his birth mother Judy Goehring and parents August and Pauline.
Proud grandfather of 5; Sophia, Clara, Colton, Reagan, and Harper, being their Papaw was by far his favorite title. Raised in Sanders, Kentucky, Mike was from a big Irish family and the oldest brother of Pam (Rick) Locke, Cindy Norris, Patrick (Cecilia), Neal (Darlene), and Candy (Lewis) Gifford. Some of his favorite times were spent on the farm with family, playing cards, and laughing until the wee hours. Mike and his family settled
in Union in 1991, enjoying a beautiful suburban life. Always supportive, he coached his daughters’ softball and basketball teams, was a member of the marching band boosters, and never missed a performance, game, or any chance to clap for his girls,
who were the apple of his eye. Jack of all trades, Mike could fix any machine, solve any problem, and build anything he
set his brilliant mind to. A thrill seeker, Mike loved to go fast- fast cars, fast horses, fast motorcycles, and fast boats, boasting a collection of all. As much as he loved to go fast, he enjoyed playing golf and was a member of several local teams at Lassing Pointe and Wheatley Golf Course. He famously made 2 holes-in-one, a testament to his skill. The ultimate sports fan, Mike enjoyed cheering for his beloved University of Kentucky
Wildcats or Cincinnati Bengals, no matter their season records. With a huge heart, Mike would help a friend or stranger at a moment’s notice and do so with his customary lopsided grin. Recently, Mike took up cooking and loved to use his smoker and grills. An adventurer, he loved to travel, particularly to the Caribbean or anywhere there was a beach involved. Having just retired, Mike and his wife were planning to move to Florida
with their boat and sail off into the sunset.
His absence will be felt for the remainder of our days. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, October 14th at Florence Nature Center 7200 Nature Park Dr, Florence, Ky
41042 starting at 5 pm.